2012 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Jan 17, 2012

If the Chevy Traverse is on your shopping list, you're probably most concerned with safety and with space to carry people and cargo.

So while you're looking at the Chevrolet crossover, you'll also want to take a look at the Ford Flex and Explorer.

Both seat seven, but the Flex's lower ride height and funky styling are an urban twist on the same mechanicals that underpin the more SUV-like Explorer.

The new Dodge Durango is an excellent vehicle that shares some DNA with the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and its tight construction and supple ride quality are dead giveaways, though styling is a bit bland.

The Toyota Highlander rides very smoothly and comes in hybrid form, but its handling is wallowy and compared to prior versions, it's quite large.

The Honda Pilot used to be one of our favorite crossovers, but the 2010 redesign left it riddled with cheap plastic, which Honda says it's worked on for the 2012 model year.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Dodge Durango Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Explorer Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Flex Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Pilot Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Highlander Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting.	8.4 Call it the anti-crossover: the Dodge Durango does SUV dirty work, but carries itself like a civilized family wagon.	8.6 It's a rifle shot at the heart of the crossover market: the 2012 Ford Explorer gives any SUV loyalist a reason to leap off their very high horse.	9.2 One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features.	7.6 Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012.	7.8 The 2012 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid to roomy, three-row family crossover wagons what the Camry is to mid-size sedans: comfortable, safe, and full-featured—but more than a little bland.
MSRP From
$29,660	$28,995	$28,280	$29,465	$28,620	$28,240
Gas Mileage
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas I4
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
FWD 4-Door LS	2WD 4-Door SXT	FWD 4-Door Base	4-Door SE FWD	2WD 4-Door LX	FWD 4-Door I4 (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
8	7	7	7	8	7
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Wagon	4 Door Sport Utility	4 Door
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic w/OD	Automatic